Drinking coconut water is no longer just that occasional and enjoyable vacation experience, this natural and exotic drink is finally available on many of our grocery store shelves. Coconut water may be beneficial to an active lifestyle; providing more potassium than a banana, coconut water may help prevent dehydration and rehydrate the body better after exercise.
In this article we look at whether coconut water really is all that it is cracked up to be and what evidence there is for some of its possible health benefits. We also take a look at what makes the best coconut water brand the best to help you to take the guesswork out of selecting coconut water.Best Pick
The gluten-free and no-GMO coconut water from Bai Coconut is our best pick for being infused with high levels of antioxidants with very low-calorie content. With no added artificial sweetener and low glycemic index, this Bai Molokai Coconut Flavored Water is our absolute favorite.
Budget Pick
The Vita Coco organic coconut water is our not from concentrate budget pick which as well as being naturally gluten free is also kosher.
Quick Comparison: Top 9 Best Coconut Water Brands
| Product Name | No. of Packs | Quantity | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bai Molokai Coconut Flavored Water | Pack of 12 | 18 fl. oz | A+ |
| Vita Coco Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 11.1 fl. oz | A+ |
| Zico Natural 100% Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 16.9 fl. oz | A |
| Harmless Harvest Organic Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 16 fl. oz | A |
| Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 16.2 oz cans | B |
| Naked Juice 100% Organic Pure Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 16.9 fl. oz | B |
| O.N.E. Pure Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 16.9 fl. oz | A |
| C2O Pure Coconut Water | Pack of 12 | 17.5 fl. oz | A+ |
| Amy & Brian Coconut Water Original | Pack of 24 | 10 fl. oz | B |
1. Bai Molokai Coconut Flavored Water
If you have the misconception that low-calorie drinks mean they will have a bland taste, then Bai Coconut is there to prove you wrong with their flavored coconut water drink which comes with only 10 calories but is loaded with tropical flavors.
The bold fruity flavor is responsible for good taste. The coconut water is infused with antioxidants and there is only one gram of sugar in each serving. Furthermore, the coconut water drink is gluten and GMO-free. It also contains 35 milligrams of caffeine per serving.
If you want some extra kick in your coconut drink then you should absolutely go for this option as it is made from coconut water concentrate which is blended with the goodness of sea salt and vitamin E and various other refreshing extracts like white tea and coffee fruit.
Pros
Cons
2. Vita Coco Organic Coconut Water
With each container containing only 60 calories, the 12 pack of Vita Coco organic coconut water (11.1 fl. oz containers) is also Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, kosher and gluten free. Not from concentrate, this water is processed within 72 hours of picking the coconuts. This feature gives you a more refreshing vibe when you drink it.
Made with coconuts sourced from different countries, this water does contains added organic sugar and vitamin C . This refreshing coconut water comes in jam-packs and offers natural hydration to you as it includes many nutrients. Each pack contains more potassium than a banana which helps you keep your electrolytes balanced.Pros
Cons
3. Zico Natural 100% Coconut Water
Unlike most coconut water brands in the market, Zico natural 100% coconut water is not made from concentrate. The 12 pack of this all-natural coconut water (16.9 fl. oz bottles) is also free from added sugar. The coconut water is free from GMOs and the plastic bottles are free from BPA.
This coconut water is capable of keeping your body properly hydrated and your electrolytes balanced as it includes 5 electrolytes. This refreshing drink can be enjoyed at both room temperature and icy cold. You can also use this as an ingredient in smoothies and shakes.
Pros
Cons
4. Harmless Harvest Raw Organic Coconut Water
Harmless Harvest Organic is probably the market leader when it comes to bottled coconut water. They are USDA certified and are not thermally pasteurized which would otherwise destroy all the nutritions of the coconut water. Instead, they use a proprietary microfiltration system to remove harmful bacteria.
Made from young pure Thai coconuts, it has no added sugar involved in its processing. They are super-effective in keeping your body hydrated with a delicious taste. The coconut water is infused with high levels of antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which turn the water pink.
Pros
Cons
5. Taste Nirvana Real Coconut Water
Harvested from young Nam Hom coconuts in Thailand, the 12 pack of Taste Nirvana premium coconut water (16.2 fl. oz cans) is a not from concentrate water canned within hours of its harvesting. This coconut water is naturally gluten free and vegan. It is also free from preservatives and is Non-GMO Project Verified.
This coconut water is made with coconut essence and contains less than 1% of fruit sugar. The brand follows sustainable procedures to process coconut water. Although there is some uncertainty as to whether this is just from a particular batch, there can be a small risk of receiving a pack of cans which are beginning to turn rancid.Pros
Cons
6. Naked Juice 100% Organic Pure Coconut Water
The USDA Organic Certified 12 pack of Naked pure coconut water (16.9 fl. oz containers) is a not from concentrate and is free from added sugar or preservatives. This drink is capable of complementing your health as it is kosher and GMO-free. Moreover, this coconut water contains 950 milligrams of potassium that will recharge your body and is a good source of electrolytes.
This is also kosher and Non-GMO Project Verified. Some consider that this water does have an oily taste and may taste too ‘coconutty’, especially as it has natural flavor added. You however may not call this “pure” coconut water as it involves the addition of natural flavors.
Pros
Cons
7. O.N.E. Pure Coconut Water
Free from any added sugar, the 12 pack of O.N.E pure coconut water (16.9 fl. oz containers) is not made from concentrate and is drained and packaged at source. This coconut water does contain natural flavor and it has changed recipe - not all buyers are as happy with its new flavor.
It was reported by some buyers that coconut water tastes the best when it is combined with other drinks instead of drinking just the water.
Pros
Cons
8. C2O Pure Coconut Water
C20 pure coconut water comes in a pack of 12 with 17.5 fl. Oz cans and is another product on our list that is GMO-free. Moreover, they are prepared using no artificial ingredients and have a somewhat different taste as they are sourced from freshwater variety instead of the coastal variety coconuts. Only the young coconuts are chosen by C2O as they have an extra fresh fragrance that gives you a refreshing feeling every time you open a can.
The coconut water is not from concentrate and does not have any added sugar. They are a great source of vitamins, sodium, and potassium which helps in keeping your body hydrated naturally. However, the cans are more fragile compared to other brands which makes them significantly dent-prone at the time of shipping.
Pros
Cons
9. Amy & Brian Coconut Water Original
Highlighted Features
The coconut water offered by Amy & Brian is made from young coconut water from Thai coconuts and comes in a pack of 24 (10 fl. oz cans). They are not prepared from concentrate and are GMO-free. It is made from all-natural coconut and its processing does not include any added sugar or artificial additives.
The coconut water is enriched with various essential electrolytes including sodium, potassium, and magnesium which helps you stay active throughout the day. Some drinkers have reported that Amy and Brian do have a different flavor compared to pure coconut water. Not only that, but they have also found the drink to have a higher carb content which is not actually desired.
Pros
Cons
Things to Consider Before Buying the Best Coconut Water
1. Pasteurized or not?
Most bottled coconut water is pasteurized or processed which means they are treated using high-pressure processing so that it kills any potentially harmful bacteria and can be stored more safely. This process usually involves chemical alteration which will destroy the “pure” properties of the coconut water.
On the other hand, some brands do offer unpasteurized coconut water which however requires to be stored in a refrigerator or else it will turn rancid. So, it is solely upon you whether you will go for the pasteurized one which can be stored easily or the unpasteurized one which is more “pure”.
2. Low sugar or not?
Some coconut water comes with added sugar which increases the sugar content altogether. Those options should not be chosen by the ones who are diabetic or are on a low sugar diet.
3. Gluten-free or not?
If you are on a healthy diet or want to lead a healthy life in general, then it is always a safe option to go for gluten-free food options and coconut water is no exception. Most brands these days offer coconut water drinks that are gluten-free but there is no harm in double-checking!
The Difference Between Coconut Water and Coconut Milk
Coconut water is the clear liquid from the coconut, while coconut milk is fresh coconut meat mixed with coconut water. Coconut water is extracted from young green coconuts, when at around nine months old they are just filled with water. As the coconut ages, the water transforms into the white coconut flesh which is then grated or pressed to make the creamed coconut, milk or oil.
Coconut Water Nutrition
An unflavored and no added sugar coconut water is low calorie, containing between 45 and 60 calories per 8 fl. oz serving. It is also lower sugar and its 9 grams of carbs are easily digestible. This makes pure coconut water healthier than many sports drinks, sodas and even some fruit juices.
An 8 fl. oz serving of coconut water will also contain around 3 grams of fiber, 2 grams of protein and 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin C. Coconut water is also a source of several amino acids – some of which are in greater quantity than in cow’s milk and it is an especially rich source of arginine, the amino acid that helps the body respond to physical stress.
Coconut water also contains natural electrolytes such as potassium, sodium and magnesium, although the levels of these vary as a coconut matures.
Coconut waters which are flavored or contain added sugars should be treated more carefully than pure coconut water as their sugar, fat and even sodium content can be dramatically increased. Sticking to a pure coconut water is usually always the healthiest way to enjoy coconut water.
Coconut Water for Active Lifestyles
Potassium plays a significant role in our bodies when it comes to keeping electrolytes and fluid balanced and this is particularly required when we exercise. Moreover, potassium intake helps reduce or prevent cramps altogether.
Because of its higher potassium levels – around ten times as much as some sports drinks - coconut water can help the body to stay hydrated during exercise and may possibly hydrate the body better than water and equal to sports drinks after exercise. Another study found that coconut water could cause more stomach upset and bloating though.
Although coconut water only contains a smaller amount of magnesium, the magnesium is needed in the body to help shift potassium and calcium into muscle tissue to help with muscle contraction and relaxation. Magnesium also plays a vital role in organ function and energy production.
Coconut water and its health benefits
1. Keeps you hydrated:
Drinking coconut water is beneficial when it comes to hydration. They can also work as an excellent remedy for hangovers. This is because this particular liquid contains many natural electrolytes that are generally found in sports drinks.
2. Reduces heart disease
Coconut water is enriched with antioxidants and they are super effective in keeping your heart functioning by reducing the risk of heart disease.
3. Lower Blood Sugar Levels
In one animal study, diabetic animals were able to maintain better blood sugar levels when they were given coconut water when compared to those animals (the control group) not fed coconut water. There have been some other small studies in the laboratory which have shown promising results for helping improve blood sugar levels and other markers in animals with diabetes. As of yet, none of these have been carried out in humans.
4. Helps in the prevention of kidney stones
Hydration is one of the main keys to preventing kidney stones and it has already been discussed about the outstanding hydrating property of coconut water. Coconut water is also effective in preventing the crystals of kidney stones from sticking together. This in turn prevents painful stones from forming.
Safety of Coconut Water
Coconut water is listed as being likely safe for most adults when consumed as a drink. It can cause bloating or stomach upset in a small number of people. Drinking high quantities of coconut water could cause blood potassium levels to become too high which may lead to an irregular heartbeat and/or kidney problems.
Those with high blood potassium levels should avoid coconut water, as should those with cystic fibrosis. If you have kidney problems you should check whether it is safe for you to drink coconut water and if you are due to undergo surgery, you may need to stop drinking coconut water at least two weeks before the procedure as it could affect blood pressure control during or after the surgery.
Conclusion
Early research into the benefits of coconut water is promising. Although most of the research has taken place in the laboratory, findings have shown its potential in diabetes and heart health. It may also be useful for hydration during exercise. Currently there are no limits set on how much coconut water we should drink in a day, but it is worth remembering that it is not calorie free and it does contain sugars, fat and sodium – especially if it is not a 100% pure coconut water.
Enjoyed as part of a balanced and healthy lifestyle, coconut water may just support our well-being and it may just be all that it is cracked up to be. We trust that you have enjoyed our best coconut water brand review and that you feel confident in selecting the right coconut water for your tastes – whether to enjoy after your early morning run or in a tasty coconut and berry smoothie.
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